Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I shall consume and rise in support of the bill. Well, first of all, let me mention that this bill followed regular order. It was brought up in our committee, it was discussed, and it was passed unanimously; and I think that is a plus and, I think, is a good precedent. Let me also say that this is an important issue, and it was one responded to by Treasury in its regulation. I think there has been a lot of misshaping as to what the regulation process is all about, and there have been times when we essentially have wanted to stop the regulatory process. I think that has been a serious mistake. It is sometimes used for a purpose, I think, unrelated to the substance of the issue. In this case, as I said, Treasury listened to the concerns that were expressed--and I think important concerns--and issued their final regulation; and essentially, what we are now doing is to say that what Treasury has decided in its regulation is correct. I think there is no concern about it being changed. However, this legislation says: let's put it in the books as legislation. And I think so be it because it is so important for this Congress to join the administration in recognizing that volunteer first responders are absolutely critical to the safety and security of communities across the country.…”